The 31-year-old says his weight-loss journey is far from over.

Itumeleng Khune G/K of Kaizer Chiefs during the 2016 Premier Soccer League match between Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa on the 24th September 2016
Photo by: Steve Haag / Real Time Images

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune says criticism over his weight has prompted him to shed a few kilos in order to improve his performances and avoid injuries.

The 31-year-old opened up to KickOffabout his struggles with weight and revealed that he has since dropped eight kilograms, and plans to trim down some more.

Itumeleng Khune opens up about his weight-loss

Khune – a key player for both club and country – was a subject of criticism on social media over an ever-expanding frame, and says he took note of the backlash and consulted specialists to help him slim down.

“I have been working very hard because last season I was criticised about my weight, after the match that we lost against Golden Arrows,” he told KickOff.

“I always thought that it [weight] comes with age as you grow older, so I realised I was even suffering from a lot of injuries because I was overweight, which I needed to do something about.

“So, I consulted and got advice. I started eating well, started drinking more fluids and started putting in extra work, and I came back stronger. Now I’m not suffering from any minor or major injuries because of the weight loss.

“My perfect weight was 84 kilograms but I was once at 92kg and now my target is 78kg. I know that once I get to 78kg, people will start saying, ‘Go and test.’ I will go and do it in public.”

Despite his issues with weight, Khune managed to register 16 clean sheets last season and was named the league’s goalkeeper of the season.

After a tough start to this particular campaign, the veteran shot-stopper looks to be getting back to his best as he has conceded just one goal in his last three outings for club and country.